Bamboo

Why Bamboo is the Future of Athletic Wear

As the world changes so quickly around us in this advanced age of technology, we often forget to appreciate innovations that have made our everyday lives easier. The apparel industry has seen multiple monumental changes in just the last decade, not to mention the exponential growth since mass manufacturing was made possible. Scientists have made immense progress in the optimization of fabrics for various uses, specifically in the sports and performance world. Bamboo fabrics have recently surged in popularity for their unique wicking, breathability and comfort. As more athletes and companies become aware of bamboo’s utility in clothing, I believe we will see a “bamboo revolution” in the athletic apparel industry.

One of bamboo’s largest appeals is its breathability and temperature regulating abilities. Studies have shown that 100% bamboo (rayon) and bamboo blend articles of clothing are superior over similar cotton and polyester pieces in terms of keeping a low core temperature during exercise in hot and humid weather. The fabric allows sweat the opportunity to evaporate by wicking it off the skin, which prevents overheating and sweat pooling. For the athletes, coaches, and trainers that are standing on turf in the August heat, this could be the difference between working up a good sweat and finding yourself with heat stroke. Lower core temperature means less sweat being exerted by the body, which in turn slows down dehydration. Bamboo tops, socks, and headwear would provide the largest advantage, as these are the areas that the body loses the most heat. Not only does it breathe, but it provides essential UV protection at a higher level than commonly used materials, Replacing your cotton or polyester undershirt with bamboo or a bamboo blend is not only the most comfortable option, but may help your performance in more hostile environments.

Not only does bamboo perform in warm weather, it also manages to perform in colder climates. The hollow structure of the bamboo fibers, which allows for the sweat to wick off the body, also provides air pockets that create a microclimate localized entirely inside the garment. This helps the body retain heat, especially if the garment is snug against the body. It does seem quite infeasible that a fabric would be able to cool and heat at the same time, yet bamboo insists upon doing so. Bamboo and bamboo blend long sleeves, sports bras, yoga pants, and undergarments have exploded in popularity in the wake of the research surrounding the material. 

Another reason that customers are keen to buy bamboo is the eco-friendly and sustainable aspect of the fabric. Bamboo grows incredibly fast, up to a meter a DAY. Comparing this to cotton, which takes 4-6 months for a plant to reach maturity, bamboo is the clear winner. Once harvested, the bamboo is processed through mechanical or chemical procedures. If processed mechanically, it is crushed, ground, stripped, cut and pressed in order to extract the usable fibers from the plant. The chemical method involves alkaline hydrolysis that breaks down the cellulose of the plant until the usable fibers remain. Each method has its advantages and detriments, neither being as eco-friendly or sustainable as advertising may lead a consumer to believe. Bamboo production and processing is also criticized for its high water usage. This does leave some room for more eco-friendly production methods that will hopefully come to fruition as the material grows in popularity. Many farmers have also been clear-cutting forests in order to expand their bamboo crop, which directly harms the surviving ecosystems as well. While the fabric itself is good for the planet, the way we produce it has a ways to go before being truly given the label of sustainable.

A key selling point for bamboo fabrics is their antibacterial properties. Present in the plant when it is alive, it keeps these properties whether it's treated mechanically, chemically or turned into bamboo charcoal (biochar). This means that it wicks away odor as fast as it wicks away sweat, which is very fast. This is a huge boon to not only those who sweat excessively, but to those who have to do their laundry. The material still needs to be washed of course, but it provides copper’s antibacterial properties with a much needed improvement in comfort. It also prevents the buildup of electrical static, meaning none of the little shocks that come with a high friction material like cotton. 

Bamboo’s position in the market, hitting all the marks of comfort and performance, makes it the ideal future of performance apparel. Keeping the wearer protected from the heat, cold, sun, and sweat gives bamboo unmatched versatility. While there is work to be done on the production side in terms of eco-friendliness and sustainability, I believe it is poised to take its place right next to cotton and polyester in popularity. T Street offers a variety of bamboo products for anyone on the field, on the sideline, or on the go. The next level of comfort and performance in this industry is bamboo, and T Street is ready to be a part of that movement.

Wej Media